‘The Zamboni Man’ brings smooth surfaces to Calgary’s outdoor rinks

WATCH ABOVE: When it comes to enjoying the great outdoors during the winter, hitting the ice at your neighbourhood rink is ‘right up there’. And as Gil Tucker shows us, now a Calgary inventor has come up with something that really makes for smooth skating.

“Just tinkered away in the garage — lot of blood, sweat and tears,” he said.

But outdoor ice hasn’t always been part of Yenna’s life.

“I grew up in Sarasota, Florida, believe it or not.”

After studying refrigeration, Yenna spent 10 years touring with Disney on Ice, making temporary skating surfaces around the world.

“All through southeast Asia, South and Central America, Australia, as well,” Yenna said. “You just have to deal with the situations that are thrown at you and I guess that’s what makes you a good ice tech.”

He is now paid to clear off 10 community rinks around Calgary, hoping to eventually make more mini-ice machines and sell them wherever there is outdoor ice.